Richard Hughes responds to interest in Portsmouth manager John Mousinho
Richard Hughes has issued a comment on the potential interest in Portsmouth boss John Mousinho.
Mousinho guided Pompey to the Championship and managed to avoid relegation comfortably in their first season back up.
Due to this feat, his stock is at a high and there could be clubs looking to snap up his services.
Hughes admits there’s likely to be interest in Mousinho
When asked about how he plans to keep Mousinho at Fratton Park, Hughes, the sporting director, admitted that the manager loves the club.
In his view, Mousinho has bought into the philosophy and sees the potential of taking Portsmouth to the next level.
While lauding his achievements and ability as a manager and saying that clubs might be interested in hiring, Hughes admits that the boss is happy where he is.
| Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals | Points | Points Per Match |
| 124 | 56 | 34 | 34 | 193:157 | 202 | 1.63 |
He told the BBC: “This football club is really special. It’s got a unique character around it. I think what’s exciting for me and John is that there’s scope to progress the club and I know that’s something that really appeals to John.
“Will there be interest in him? I’m sure there absolutely will be and rightly so, because he’s done a terrific job in the two and a half years he’s been with us.
“There’s likely to be people who want to have those conversations but I know John’s happy. He loves the area. He loves the team, loves the project.”
Portsmouth need to do whatever it takes to keep Mousinho
Mousinho has transformed Portsmouth from relegation candidates to a resilient Championship side, showcasing tactical acumen and leadership that make retaining him this summer more critical than any new signing.
Facing a dire start with just one win in 15 matches, he boldly shifted from a possession-based style to a direct, high-pressing approach, defying the pre-season blueprint.
This courage, coupled with Colby Bishop’s timely return, turned Fratton Park into a fortress, with 11 home wins since November, rivalled only by Leeds.
His recruitment, including impactful additions like Josh Murphy, Rob Atkinson and Freddie Potts, reflects a keen eye for talent despite budget constraints.
Mousinho’s ability to maintain team morale amid injuries and adapt tactically against opponents has been pivotal.
His connection with fans and the trust of the ownership, who would have backed him even in relegation, underscore his value.
While other clubs eye him, Mousinho’s unfinished project at Portsmouth, building on survival to push for progress, makes his retention paramount.
No signing could replicate the stability, vision and galvanising force he provides, ensuring Portsmouth’s continued upward trajectory in a competitive league.